Project details
Wildfires and floods are two of the most destructive natural hazards, and climate change is intensifying both. When fires strip vegetation and alter soils, rainfall can trigger debris flows and sediment surges that transform rivers, degrade water quality, and increase flood risk. This PhD will investigate how fire and flood interact to drive these cascading hazards, from hillslopes to rivers, providing vital insights for managing water, land, and communities in a warming world.
Working with leading scientists at Loughborough University, the University of Southampton, and Colorado State University, and in collaboration with Previsico Ltd. and the US Geological Survey, the researcher will combine fieldwork, remote sensing, and modelling (using CAESAR-Lisflood) to quantify how burned landscapes respond to intense rainfall and enhanced sediment transport.
The successful candidate will develop advanced skills in geomorphology, hydrology, environmental data analysis, and climate resilience, contributing to both science and practice. This is an exceptional opportunity to join the FLOOD-CDT, a world-class doctoral training centre tackling the biggest flood challenges through interdisciplinary research and real-world collaboration.
94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021
Supervisors
Primary supervisor: Professor Daniel Parsons
Secondary supervisors: Dr Helen Glanville, Ellen Wohl (Colorado State), Steve Darby (Southampton)
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements are listed using standard UK undergraduate degree classifications i.e. first-class honours, upper second-class honours and lower second-class honours.
Entry requirements for United Kingdom
Applicants must already have, or expect to shortly graduate with, a very good undergraduate degree or master’s degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree), or an equivalent international qualification from a high-ranking university, in a relevant subject. EU and overseas applicants should achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each competency.
English language requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for 2026-27 entry
UK fee
Fully funded Full-time degree per annum
International fee
Fully funded Full-time degree per annum
Fees for the 2026-27 academic year apply to projects starting in October 2026, February 2027 and July 2027.UK tuition fees for 2026/27 are currently to be confirmed pending the release of the UKRI recommended rates. Once published, these rates will be subject to formal approval by the University before being confirmed.
Find out more about research degree funding
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. University fees and charges can be paid in advance and there are several methods of payment, including online payments and payment by instalment. Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.
Studentship type – UKRI through FLOOD-CDT
The studentship is for 3.5 years and provides a tax-free stipend of ÂŁ20,780 per annum plus tuition fees at the UK rate. Due to UKRI funding rules, no more than 30% of the studentships funded by this grant can be awarded to international candidates, but successful international candidates will have the difference between the UK and international tuition fees provided by the University.
How to apply
All applications should be made online. Under programme name, select ‘School of Social Sciences and Humanities’. Please quote the advertised reference number, ‘FCDT-26-LU1’, in your application. This PhD is being advertised as part of the Centre for Doctoral Training for Resilient Flood Futures (FLOOD-CDT). Further details about FLOOD-CDT can be seen on the FLOOD-CDT website.
Please note, that your application will be assessed upon:
- Motivation and career aspirations
- Potential and intellectual excellence
- Suitability for specific project
- Fit to FLOOD-CDT
Please familiarise yourselves with FLOOD-CDT before applying.
During the application process candidates will need to upload:
- a one-page statement of your research interests in flooding and FLOOD-CDT and your rationale for your choice of project
- a curriculum vitae giving details of your academic record and stating your research interests
- academic transcripts and degree certificates (translated if not in English)
- a IELTS/TOEFL certificate, if applicable
You are encouraged to contact potential supervisors by email to discuss specific aspects of the proposed project prior to submitting your application. If you have any general questions, please contact via email.
